Shoshana Vogel

"I want to be a part of instilling a sense of joy in music, and giving that to children seems like a great gift to share. I believe children can direct their own sense of wonder if given the tools, especially as young learners."

Shoshana Vogel was born in Staten Island and grew up in Port Angeles, Washington. “I started playing the violin for a hot minute at 5. I moved onto clarinet at 9, but nothing stuck like classical guitar studies at 12 and voice is my first instrument”. Shoshana was influenced by family members to pursue a career in music. “My uncle Howard Vogel played baroque and folk songs for me and opened me up to blues music. My Dad also sang to us and played guitar a lot when we were little. I've always been soothed by strings”.

Shoshana completed her Bachelors Degree at U.C. Berklee in Musicology and her Masters Degree from at U.C.L.A. in World Arts and Cultures. Her teaching philosophy is one rooted her interest in sharing her own appreciation and love of music. “I want to be a part of instilling a sense of joy in music, and giving that to children seems like a great gift to share. I believe children can direct their own sense of wonder if given the tools, especially as young learners. As a teacher, I hope to guide children towards a lifetime of discovery and play and development through music. I think music gives us pathways on which to travel throughout life. I love that the Orff approach of opening children up to music starts with their whole selves and with their inherent creativity”

Her personal musical favorites are very diverse. “Odetta as a storyteller, has a great gift of composition. I also really love Joni Mitchell as a crafter of songs. Me'Shell Ndege'ocello is a creator of beautiful universes. I loved working on some Fernando Sor pieces for classical guitar and have enjoyed tackling Alex Lifeson's music too. I'm paying attention to Lianne LaHavas now. Charlie Hunter too”

In addition to all of Shoshana’s musical interests and endeavors, she also enjoys yoga and nature.